Emotional Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri breaks down as he pays tribute to Dikembe Mutombo after legend’s death

Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri was visibly shaken by the news of Dikembe Mutombo’s death on Monday.

Hall of Famer and eight-time NBA All-Star Mutombo died Monday at the age of 58 after a battle with brain cancer.

As the news began to trickle through the basketball community during NBA Media Day on Monday, Ujiri paid an emotional tribute to the icon.

“I just heard the news about, um…I just heard the news about Dikembe Mutombo,” a choked Ujiri said before having to take a moment to collect himself.

The loss seemed to hit Ujiri on a personal level as he reminisced about Mutombo’s legacy.

Hall of Famer and eight-time NBA All-Star Mutombo died Monday at the age of 58

“He made us who we are,” Ujiri said, still struggling with the loss and emotion clear in his voice.

‘That guy is a giant. Incredible person. Who are we without Dikembe Mutombo? Not possible.’

Mutombo, who grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo but moved to America at age 21, was selected fourth overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1991 Draft.

He went on to play for the Nuggets, Hawks, 76ers, Nets, Knicks and Rockets in a stellar career before retiring in 2009.

Mutombo revealed in October 2022 that he was undergoing treatment for a brain tumor, with a statement from the NBA asking for privacy for him and his family.

The seven-foot center is survived by his wife Rose and three children: Carrie, JJ and Ryan, who plays college basketball for Georgia Tech.

The news of his death was announced Monday morning in a statement from the NBA, with commissioner Adam Silver saying, “Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life.

“On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in NBA history. From the floor up, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.

“There was no one better qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador. He was a humanitarian at heart.

When the news was announced Monday during NBA Media Day, Ujiri paid an emotional tribute to the icon

The president of the Toronto Raptors had to take a moment to compose himself as he spoke

“He loved what the game of basketball could do to positively impact communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of Congo and across the African continent.

“I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing firsthand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people. He was always accessible at NBA events over the years – with his infectious smile, deep, booming voice and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation.”

Mutombo was infamous for his blocks and became famous for his finger-wagging celebration at the opponent after denying him a scoring opportunity.

He signed a deal with Adidas in 1992 during his rookie contract and had a signature shoe that rivaled Nike and Michael Jordan.

In a commercial for his shoe, he made a joke about Jordan and said to the camera, “Man doesn’t fly in Mutombo’s house.” In 2013, the Adidas Mutombo was released as a retro shoe and quickly sold out.

In addition to his talents on the basketball court, Mutombo was also widely praised for his charity work off it.

Mutombo played for six teams during an impressive NBA career and was an eight-time All-Star

Mutombo poses with his wife Rose and two sons, JJ and Ryan, at a gala in Atlanta in 2012

He once flew an eight-year-old child from Congo to the US and paid for the surgery to remove his tumor.

He and his wife Rose also adopted four children from her late brother, according to the Chicago Tribune.

In 2015, the Atlanta Hawks retired Mutombo’s number 55 jersey, and the Denver Nuggets did the same a year later.

He was also inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in September 2015.